Historical Interpreter

position Summary

Friends of Land Between the Lakes (LBL) is hiring an interpreter for the Homeplace Living History Farm at LBL. This position is responsible for providing cultural history information to HP visitors and the delivery of interpretive and educational programs. This is a 40/hr per week position with pay starting at $18.00/hr.

Location

The Homeplace Living History Farm, Land Between the Lakes NRA, Dover, TN

Major Duties

• Responsible for researching, creating, developing and presenting thematic interpretive and educational to visitors, school groups, and other organized groups. These programs focus primarily on the activities and events associated with the culture and farm lifestyles of the people who lived between the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers in the mid-19th century. Programs may include guided walks, demonstrations, environmental education activities and programs, illustrated talks, roving interpretation, impromptu talks, and first- person portrayals. Sound interpretive and educational principles and techniques are reflected in conducted programs.
• Serves as a host to visitors, carrying out a variety of duties related to visitor contacts and distributing accurate information about LBL’s recreational opportunities; its natural and cultural resources; the Forest Service and its management activities; and the surrounding region. Assists in enforcing rules and regulations regarding the safety of animals and visitors.
• Coordinates or assists in coordinating special educational events; tasks may include promotional planning, theme development, program development and delivery, contacting special presenters or guests, designing and creating special thematic indoor and outdoor exhibits, delegating staff responsibilities, and supervising volunteers.
• Works a varied schedule that includes many holidays, weekends, and some evenings.
• Responsible for performing, in an interpretive style, domestic and agricultural chores and tasks representative of a mid-19th century farm operation; carries out farm and domestic activities such as plowing, planting, harvesting crops, spinning, weaving, cooking, and quilting under the direction of the domestic and agriculture program coordinators. Performs activities in clothing representative of the period.
• Assists in general upkeep to maintain a professional facility appearance.
• Assists in planning and creating the calendar of events for each season’s activities and programs (spring, summer, fall and winter calendars).
• Assists in the daily feeding, care, and handling of livestock. Responsible for learning and understanding dietary needs and safety precautions associated with individual animals. Maintains and monitors fences, pens, and other livestock enclosures.
• Assists the Lead Interpreter and Facility Manager in training new staff members.
• Responsible for accessioning and inventory of artifacts collection; keeping records; and stocking HP buildings with appropriate furnishings, tools, etc.

Qualifications and Skills

• Possess a degree and/or experience in Environmental Education, History, Agriculture, or related fields.
• Customer service experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple projects
• Ability to work in hot, cold, or inclement weather conditions.
• Availability for weekends, holidays and some evenings.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with a variety of audiences.
• Interest or experience in handling and caring for livestock.
• Interest or experience with historic trades such as weaving, spinning, gardening, blacksmithing, woodworking, leatherworking, etc.
• Experience using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Canva and other related softwares.

Compensation

• Starting pay is $18.00/hr

Deadline

• Applications accepted until position filled.

Application Materials

• Please email a cover letter and resume to Steve Nolen – snolen@friendsoflbl.org